Check your circuits, will 30 allow for current useage plus additions. Note
that many take double, sometimes 4 positions for one circuit. Also check out
what brand and model circuit breakers the new panel uses to be sure they are
a good brand and readily available. If you need more than 30 positions,
either a larger panel box or a subpanel box can be added, be sure it takes
the same breakers as your main panel so they can be moved around without
having to buy two different brands. You may need arc-fault breakers for the
bed rooms and GFI breakers for the kitchen, bathroom, garage and outdoors,
as you may have to upgrade to current standards when you change the panel
box.


"dkhedmo" wrote in message
k.net...
Me again, with the 50's ranch-on-a-slab. Electric panel needs an upgrade
and my plumber (the one who put in the pump and plumbing through the
attic) recommended an electrician who has come back with an excellent
price. He listed two options/prices: a 100 amp 20 circuit panel for $965,
or a 150 amp 30 circuit panel for $130 more.

We are currently running the basic household appliances, gas where
applicable. One tv, one computer and occasional laptop, misc. audio,
telephone, small stuff. Above ground pool. No AC right now, assume we'll
add that eventually. One or two window units until then.

Which way should we go?

-Karen-